Bluetooth Stereo Headphones or Headsets for iPhone

Since your iPhone does not support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), you first need to connect an A2DP Bluetooth transmitter (adapter) to your device.

You can use a universal Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth transmitter with a dock connector.
If, by definition, all the universal Bluetooth transmitters will work, there are only a few Bluetooth transmitters compatible with the iPhone dock connection.

But one works for sure (we have tested it): the Jabra a125s.


Which transmitter should you choose?

• The universal ones will allow you to make any audio source Bluetooth-enabled, therefore wireless: MP3/ CD/DVD players, TV, PC, Radio, Boom Box etc...
• The Jabra a125s will work with your iPhone or iPod. Great advantage: no dangling cable from your player!

Now that you have selected your transmitter, pick up your Bluetooth headphones:

• If you go with a universal transmitter it makes sense to select a headphones-transmitter bundle.
• Otherwise you can choose one of these, depending on style and budget: behind the neck, around the ears, in-ears, or over the head.

Notes:

• The Bluetooth headphones will also connect to your iPhone via the hands-free profile to make and receive phone calls.
• The same principle applies to Bluetooth speakers. They will stream music from your iPhone, and some of them will also work as a speakerphone for a hands-free conversation.

Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

Callpod Dragon V2 Bluetooth Headset

Update: A class-1 Bluetooth headset allowing a 300ft plus communication range with your Bluetooth cell phone (it has to be a class-1 as well, otherwise the range will be limited to 30ft).
Main features:
Interesting walkie-talkie function with another Dragon V2 headset
Proprietary dual-microphone background noise cancellation. Up to 8 hours talk time, 300 hours standby Switch between Skype and cell phone
3 colors: Titanium Silver, Black Chrome, Carbon fiber

Manufacturer's description:

Talk on your mobile phone without wires using the Dragon® Bluetooth® headset. With a 328+ ft (100m) range, you can roam around your office or home without having to carry your phone. Dragon can also connect with your PC for Skype® calls simultaneously, allowing you to switch between your PC and mobile phone with a press of a button. With advanced dual-mic noise suppression™, the callers on the other end will enjoy crystal clear voice even if you are at an airport, noisy restaurant or car. Works with all Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, computers and PDAs.

Performance

• Extended range of 100+ meters / 328+ ft
• Dual-microphone background noise cancellation
• Dragon-to-Dragon headset communication over a 250,000+ sq ft space
• Multi-device pairing (i.e. Skype®+cell phone or 2 cell phones) with auto-switching

Design

• Comfortable fit for all-day usage
• Two-button design for enhanced call control functionality
• Sleek fit and finish
• Reversible ear hook supports left and right ear

Compatibility

• All Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and PDAs
• All the latest phones, including iPhone
• All worldwide networks including AT&T,T-mobile,Verizon,Sprint/Nextel,US Cellular
• All Windows and Mac OS computers with Bluetooth

See also this review from the Gadgeteer

Old Car, New Tricks

How to get the coolest new tech in your current ride.
By Paul Seredynski of MSN autos

A great review of the latest in-car technologies.

Is my iPhone A2DP?

No, it is not! Therefore you can't stream music to a Bluetooth stereo headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, or Bluetooth hands-free car kit. Frustrated?

There is a way to solve the problem and bring a smile back on your face: connect a Bluetooth transmitter supporting the A2DP profile and start streaming your tunes. To good to be true? Yes!

Few transmitters are actually compatible. But one works for sure: the Jabra a125s

CyFi Wireless Bike Speaker for iPod. A World Premiere!

Press Release excerpt, september 17, 2008:

"Cy-Fi™ the world’s first iPod® compatible wireless sports speaker featuring Kleer™ wireless technology... Cy-Fi™ offers cycling professionals, outdoor and travel enthusiasts a unique listening experience featuring iPod® compatibility, CD quality sound, over six hours battery life, and a wireless range of 30 feet.
There is also a Bluetooth (A2DP) version available for use with cell phones, MP3 players or PDA’s."

The speaker is light ( less than 4 ounces) and compact ( sightly larger than a deck of cards) and comes in two versions.

1) The version using Kleer® technology is designed for iPod with a dock connector and includes an iPod transmitter.

Features:

• CD-audio quality
• 30 ft range
• Remote control from speaker
• Battery life: 6 hours

2) The Bluetooth version is designed to make hands-free phone calls using the speaker as a speakerphone. Since the speaker also supports the Audio Advanced Distribution Profile (A2DP) you should be able to play any Bluetooth-enabled audio sources supporting the same profile (iPod/MP3/CD players for instance).

Features:

• 30 ft range
• Remote control from speaker
• Battery life: 5.5 hours

The speaker easily mounts on bike, boat, backpack, etc., with the provided attachment. Note: since a Kleer technology uses 10 times less power than Bluetooth, it does not make sense that the batteries life is almost the same...

Related articles:

What is Kleer®?
What is A2DP?
iPod Untangled...




Laurent
wiredforwireless.com